Chapter 19

“Alekai, what do you want to do when we get home?” I ask, yawning as I watch the passing fields outside the window.

“Did you just say home?” Ignoring my question, Alekai slips a finger under my chin, making me look at his shocked expression.

“Yes. The Palace is my home, isn’t it, since I am your pet.” I state the obvious, wondering why Alekai looks shocked. His brows furl, and I catch a glimpse of what must be either guilt or regret in his eyes before he looks away from me and runs a hand through his hair.

“I have a meeting to go to when we return, so you can take Nova and Chaos to the study and stay there. Elisa should have finished bringing the pet beds and toys in there.” He replies, and I nod, snuggling into his side and enjoying his arm wrapped around me.

“When your meeting is done, why don’t we head to the wildflower field with the pups and have a picnic?” I suggest. Some intuition tells me that Alekai is not looking forward to this meeting, and if my hunch is correct, it has something to do with his father trying to arrange his marriage.

“I’d like that. I have no idea when the meeting will end, but stay inside the study, for now. Elisa will stay with you until I can.” I look up to see him staring at me with a gentle smile, and I nod, leaning up to kiss his chin.

"Sounds like a plan," I whisper, getting a chuckle as he hugs me, kissing the top of my head. The car ride is left in peaceful silence, the two of us just enjoying each other’s presence.

“Can I ask you something?” I break the silence a few moments later, pulling away to look at Alekai.

“You just did.” He chuckles, causing me to roll my eyes at him for the umpteenth time today.

“I am going to take that as a yes. My real question is, why do you call me Songbird?” I ask. Since being sold to the man before me, Alekai has always called me by my name or the nickname given to me.

“Your voice is very beautiful and captivating. If you wanted, you could have been an Idol instead of a chef.”

“Baker,” I corrected, getting a chuckle from Alekai.

“Baker. Either way, you are my Songbird, a beautiful creature with a beautiful voice.” I blush, happy with his answer, as I curl back into his side. The ride returns to a comfortable silence, the engine's hum the only sound. The city skyline comes into view, reminding me how close to home we are, and the thought of curling in bed with Nova and Chaos makes me smile. Being kidnapped and sold was a horrible experience, but meeting Alekai has given me a better life than I could imagine. I have ample food, a bed I can sleep in every night and friends here. I do still want to find Aime and Jaida and see them happy and healthy.

“I have a question.” Alekai’s voice breaks the silence. Curious, I turn to look at him, learning he is already staring at me.

“What is it?”

“Why haven’t you given me a nickname yet?” I can see his easy-going smile waver, his eyes betraying the mask of happiness he put on to prevent me from seeing the hurt and unease inside them.

“I never thought of giving you one,” I answer honestly, seeing the disappointment seep through as he looks away.

“Is it because you hate me? Because I bought you?” His voice is a low whisper, and my heart clenches at his sad tone. Do I hate Alekai? Not anymore. Yes, he bought and raped me the first day we met, but he’s more than made up for his actions in these two weeks. His caring attitude and worry towards me is something no one other than Jaida, Aime, and their fathers have shown me.

“Alekai, I don’t hate you, not anymore.” I reach out and cup the other side of his face, gently turning his face towards me, the hurt in his eyes evident.

“You used to hate me?” He asks, sounding like a lost child.

“I did, especially after you raped me.” I wouldn’t lie to him, lying has caused too many problems for people, and I refused to allow a lie to hurt us. Alekai wants to pull away, I can tell by the way he tries to let go of my waist, but I cling to him, wrapping my arms around his waist and leaning into his body.

“Don’t pull away, please. Like I said, I used to hate you, but your actions have shown how much you care for me. Without knowing it, I ended up liking to spend my time with you, liking you for you.” I pull Alekai closer, seeing the hurt in his eyes disappear, replaced by warmth. He leans closer, his lips taking mine in a slow, gentle kiss. My heart flutters with every second. His lips move softly against mine, his arms drawing me closer, to the point our bodies merged against each other as near as possible despite our clothes being in the way. I felt safe, cared for, and… Loved.

“I can wait for the nickname, Lyra. I can wait for as long as it takes. But I want to know what I am to you.” His voice is husky from the desire I can see he is holding back as Alekai states his intentions. At first, I am taken aback, but then I begin to think. What is Alekai to me? I know he owns me, but I have never felt like his property or slave since the first night, and I even referred to him as my boyfriend earlier—mainly to annoy Nick. Yet, I have no clue what he is to me.

“I don’t have an answer to that yet. Could you give me some time?” I reply quietly, resting my head against his chest and listening to his steady heartbeat.

“Of course, Songbird. Like I said, I can wait.” I nod, turning to kiss the spot over his heart while his hands gently play with my hair, happy to know that Alekai wouldn’t rush me while I figure things out. Maybe I could regain my freedom once I decide what he is to me. The car slows to a stop, and I look out the window to see we have arrived.

“This outing was too short.” He grumbles, and I agree, letting go of Alekai so that he can climb out of the vehicle first while I scoop the pups into my arms and slide out of the car myself.

“Lyra, I have a meeting in thirty minutes. Will you be able to head to the study by yourself?”

“Yes, I should be fine,” I answer, Alekai placing a hand on the small of my back and walking with me to the Palace doors.

“That’s good. Elisa has everything for Chaos and Nova in there. Promise me you will stay in there.”

“I promise.” With my reassurance, Alekai quickly pecks my cheek before rushing away down the hall to the right. I sigh, turning in the other direction and walking towards Alekai’s study. Along the way, I am stopped by a few court ladies and maids who coo over the black and white puppies in my arms. I proudly inform them that Alekai bought the wolfdogs for me. Soon the whole Palace will know Alekai bought me some pets. I have a feeling this will destroy Linnate’s self-esteem. Good.

Reaching the safety of the study, I nod to the guards who greet me amicably, opening the door to the study and allowing me entry. Once inside, I spot Elisa with a smile on her face, setting down a large, fluffy dog bed. Puppy toys are scattered across the floor, from chew toys to ropes, tennis balls, and even a few stuffed animals. Beside the table where Alekai and I usually eat are two sets of dishes, with puppy food and water already inside.

“This looks amazing Elisa. Thank you.” I call out in awe, placing the pups on the floor and watching the two instantly sniff around the room, Nova finding the stuffed animal that she instantly starts to cuddle with.

“Thank you, there is more in your bedroom for these two,” Elisa answers. Chaos walks towards the maid and places a ball at her feet. I smile as I watch her bend down, pick the ball up and toss it across the room, Chaos bounding after it with a yip.

“What are their names?” She asks as I come to stand beside her, watching the pups explore and play.

“Nova is the white one. She is a female. Chaos is a male, the little black one who brought the ball to you.”

“Same litter?”

“No, they’re from different litters, which would make it easy to breed them in the future.”

“Do you think I could have a pup if you breed the two?” I turn to face the Maid, her eyes never leaving the pups, with a longing I knew all too well.

“Of course, you can have the first pick. They are wolfdogs and have wolf instinct, so I hope you can handle the responsibility.” I agree immediately. Elisa turns to me and hugs me in excitement.

“I took care of Alekai; I think I can handle a wolf pup.” She retorts, causing the two of us to laugh. It’s strange to think that the Maid and I had a rough start, me finding her to be more like a prison warden at the time. But now I know Elisa is loyal and has become a great confidant and friend.

"Would you like to stay and play with us?" I ask, seeing a sad look cross her face as she walks to the table and picks up two collars, one pink and one red.

“I would love to, but I have to serve the meeting.” She answers sadly, handing me the collars as she turns to look at the pups one last time.

“How about you watch the pups when Alekai and I are unable to? It can be part of your duties, and you can play and cuddle them.” I suggest. I watch as the sad look on her face turns into a happy smile.

“I’d love that. Thank you, Lyra.” She agrees wholeheartedly, turning to pet Nova who now drags a stuffed unicorn plushie towards the bed. Elisa stays for a moment, promising to have their name tags with Alekai’s crest delivered later tonight. Before bidding us farewell, she reminds me there is a cart of snacks to enjoy while I wait. Now alone in the room, I open the large doors to the deck, grab a bag of small dog treats and head outside, calling for the pups to follow me and feeling happy when they do. I will have to start training them to be great pets and guard dogs for myself. Alekai not only gave me pets but also a way to protect myself when alone in the Palace.